A council report has identified a need for hundreds of additional childcare places in York to support families in accessing up to 30 hours of free childcare per week by September 2025. Up to 304 new places may be necessary to meet this demand, alongside an additional 390 wraparound spots for services like breakfast and after-school clubs. The council has allocated £922,800 for expansion efforts and received additional funding from the Department for Education. Councillor Bob Webb emphasized the importance of this expansion for both working parents and children’s benefits. Without these new places, a shortage is anticipated, particularly for children under three.
